A former congressional candidate from Mississippi has been accused of damaging the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s statue depicting the pagan idol Baphomet at the Iowa State Capitol.
Michael Cassidy, 35, of Lauderdale, Mississippi, faces charges of fourth-degree criminal mischief, which could result in one year of imprisonment and a $2,560 fine.
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The Satanic Temple of Iowa reported on Facebook that its display had been irreparably damaged. The installation, permitted under state regulations governing religious displays in public buildings, has sparked debates and criticism from Iowa and national politicians. Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, among other Republicans, has called for its removal, while some within the GOP argue that, although offensive, it constitutes a protected form of free speech. Governor Kim Reynolds deemed the display “objectionable” and encouraged Iowans to respond through prayer. “In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the Nativity scene that will be on display ― the true reason for the season,” she stated.
Newsweek reported that a crowdfunding campaign for Cassidy’s legal fund, with a target of $20,000, successfully raised the required amount. Donors included the conservative campaign group Turning Point USA, which contributed $10,000. DeSantis also pledged support. Cassidy expressed gratitude on social media, acknowledging the rapid success of the campaign.
However, he later reopened the fund, citing potential additional legal charges. Cassidy pledged that any excess funds beyond his defense costs would be donated to a Christian legal fund. The fundraising appeal on GiveSendGo described Cassidy as tearing down and beheading a Satanist altar at the Iowa State Capitol.
A publication called The Sentinel claimed to sponsor the fundraiser and quoted Cassidy as saying he destroyed the display to “awaken Christians to the anti-Christian acts promoted by our government.” Cassidy, in a separate social media post, defended the attack and criticized those who, while finding the display offensive, maintained it was protected as an exercise of free speech.
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The Satanic Temple’s Facebook post about the attack indicated that the Baphomet idol was the primary target. The Iowa Department of Administrative Services permitted the display for two weeks under rules allowing religious installations in public spaces. In response to the incident, Jason Benell, president of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, condemned the attack and accused Republican elected officials, including Governor Reynolds, of encouraging it. Benell emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and criticized leaders who make it permissible to destroy displays they find objectionable, whether religious or non-religious.
